Calif. conjoined twins successfully separated

PALO ALTO, Calif. - The lead surgeon who separated twin 2-year-old girls joined at the chest and abdomen says the lengthy surgery went smoothly.

Dr. Gary Hartman says Angela and Angelica Sabuco should make full recoveries.

The operation at Stanford University's children's hospital took more than nine hours and a team of more than 40 people, including doctors, nurses and other personnel.

Their mother, Ginady Sabuco, called the surgery "a dream come true."

The surgery required separating livers, diaphragms, breastbones, and chest and abdominal wall muscles.

The children were being kept sedated and doctors said they could be awakened as early as Wednesday. They were expected to be in the hospital for at least two weeks.

Born in the Philippines, Angelina and Angelica moved to the United States with their mother last year. They live in San Jose with their parents and 10-year-old brother.